Citation:
Flachowsky G., Aulrich K., Böhme H, and Halle I (2007) Studies on feeds from genetically modified plants
(GMP) – Contributions to nutritional and safety assessment. Animal Feed Science and Technology
133 (2007) 2–30. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2006.08.002 (Not listed in PubMed).
Content Summary
This is a review of 18 different studies carried out at an Institute of animal nutrition in collaboration with an Institute of organic farming. Investigators are independent of commercial ties and involved in the planning and execution of the numerous animal studies that are reported in the review. The studies include a multi-generational study with quails, and investigations with several different farm animal species.
Abstract
Since 1997, 18 studies with feeds from genetically modified plants (GMP) in the nutrition of dairy cows, growing bulls, growing and finishing pigs, laying hens, chicken for finishing as well as growing and laying quails were conducted at the Federal Agricultural Research Centre (FAL) in Braunschweig (Germany). The majority of the experiments (16) were undertaken with GMP of the so-called first generation (plants with input traits and without substantial changes in composition) such as Bt-maize, Pat-maize,
Pat-sugar beet, Gt-soybean, Gt-potatoes and Bt-potatoes. Two studies were carried out with GMP of the second generation (plants with output traits or with substantial changes in their chemical composition) such as an altered fatty acids profile in rapeseed or inulin potatoes. In all experiments, feeds from GMP were compared with their isogenic counterparts. The iso- and transgenic feeds were analysed for their composition (proximates, fibre fraction, amino acids, fatty acid pattern, minerals) and undesirable substances (e.g., mycotoxins). Animal studies were carried out for nutritional and safety assessment such as digestibility, feed intake, health and performance of target animal species and quality of food of animal origin. Reproduction was studied in a 10-generation experiment with quails and a 4-generation experiment with laying hens. Duration of experiments and number of animals were limited in some cases due to small amounts of GM-feed available for experimentation.
